In Bond per 3x75cl - En Primeur
"Trester Goetting, Winemaker
Deep ruby in colour. Bursting aromatics of currants, blackberry, liquorice, charcuterie, fresh thyme, tobacco, graphite, cedar, vanilla and sweet oak. Medium-bodied with a core of mountain tannins framed by firm acidity and limestone minerality. The finish is long and ethereal. June 2024
The core blend of Monte Bello 2023 was assembled by the production team over two days in February. Out of thirty candidate lots, nine were selected at this stage, with a few earmarked as potential additions at the next blending session. The team reconvened on May 9th for the second and final assemblage of the 2023 Monte Bello. After tasting all remaining lots blind, the panel of ten determined that, of the eight further lots being presented, three of the wines stood out, showing clear Monte Bello potential. By the end of the day, the final blend was decided, which consists of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot"
Ridge was founded in 1959 but has a history dating back to the late 19th century when an Italian immigrant bought the 180 acres near Monte Bello Ridge. Cabernet has been vinified there since the 1940’s and Zinfandel saw its first vintage in 1964. CEO Paul Draper, took the reins in 1969 and pioneered a ‘hands off’, non intrusive approach to wine making. Sustainable farming is practiced at Ridge and their winery has won numerous environmental awards over the years. The vineyards are all dry-grown with only new vines receiving drip irrigation until they are established.
The red wines are fermented in small-capacity fermenters to assure full extraction and intensity. The juice is drawn off, gently aerated, and pumped over a floating cap of grape skins. Once pressed, all wines go through a natural malolactic fermentation. Monte Bello, the flagship wine of the estate, is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and spends roughly 17 months in new American oak.
A unique vintage at Monte Bello according to Paul Draper, 2023 was a true test of patience, requiring both stamina and clever decision-making. After several years of dry, mild winters, the 2023 growing season at Monte Bello began late due to cold, wet weather. Substantial rainfall during the winter months leading up to the growing season resulted in abundant cover crops, providing crucial nutrients to the vines. The cooler temperatures delayed bud break and flowering at Monte Bello, which did not occur until late May for the Chardonnay and mid-June for the red varieties. Mowing, weeding, and foliage management were top priorities in May and June as the soil moisture encouraged rapid vegetation growth. Below-average temperatures and cool nights continued into the summer months at Monte Bello, delaying fruit set, which was not complete until mid-July. Only once veraison started in August was the team able to assess the crop; above-average yields prompted a green harvest to concentrate the fruit. Mild weather in August further delayed the ripening process and put the harvest about three weeks behind the anticipated picking date, with the Bordeaux varieties starting to arrive at the winery from October 2nd.
The extra time on the vines meant that the fruit from many different varieties and locations were all ripening at the same rate, creating logistical challenges in the cellar. A late harvest also brought with it the threat of low pH and high acidity, a result of the cool weather during the year. Fortunately, the waiting paid off and the vineyards basked in a week of beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures, giving the vines a final boost of sugar levels and raising pH levels. The last wave of fruit came in at very high quality, with the final pick taking place on November 10th. A strict selection followed, with the amount making the grade for Monte Bello slightly down on the 2022 vintage – the fourth consecutive decrease in Monte Bello production.
